Leicestershire fire service praised for first Transgender Policy

“We want a service where everyone is able to be themselves in the workplace, which actually benefits the organisation.”

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has launched its first ever Transgender Policy that looks to provide equality for all employees.

The force launched the policy on Thursday, June 22 and it was well attended with representatives from operational and support staff, as well as other partner organisations from across the region.

Charlie Craggs, founder of the award-winning campaign, Nail Transphobia, was a guest speaker and took time to explain her personal experiences and why there is a need for policies such as this.

She went on to say that policies such as these not only make transgender people feel welcome, they outline procedures for managers to follow.

Charlie said: “It was an honour to speak at the launch of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s Transgender Policy.

“It’s such an important document that signifies how far the Service has come and how far we have come as a society.

“This was reiterated by how many people came up to speak with me after my talk and messaged me to say that I helped them understand the whole trans thing a bit better and that they’d left with a different perspective.

“The fact that at least one person went away from the day as an ally means that the day was a total success for me.

“I’ve always had so much respect for the fire and rescue services and the honourable work you brave men and women do for society, but I’ve got even more respect for you all now seeing how open you are to learning and changing.”

Rick Taylor, assistant chief fire and rescue office and lead on Equalities at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are proud to have a supportive, inclusive working environment at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service that makes everyone feel welcome.

“Equality and diversity lies at the heart of all our work and we strive to improve on this every year.

“We hope that by launching our very own Transgender Policy, it enables us to improve the work we have been doing in partnership with Stonewall further.

“We want a service where everyone is able to be themselves in the workplace, which actually benefits the organisation.”